Bulls prey on Grizzlies' misery

The NBA's version of chicken soup on an aches-and-pains day stopped by the United Center, and the Bulls got fat with a 112-97 victory.

Making the proceedings even more meaningful was the 11th-place Bulls picking up a full game on the eighth- and ninth-seeded Nets and Hawks, respectively, and a half-game on the idle and 10th-place Pacers.

Then again, with upcoming games against the Cavaliers, Celtics, Pistons and Jazz, the Bulls might be hard-pressed to find another laugher on a night laughter emanated from the postgame locker room.

Beyond jokes, the Bulls continued to get balanced scoring, with Luol Deng and Drew Gooden each notching 21 points to lead five players in double figures. Gooden added 14 rebounds for his second straight double-double and third in six games as a Bull.

"I expect us to be a playoff team," Gooden said.

Besides his blocks, Hinrich had 19 points and 12 assists as the Bulls shot 53.7 percent.

Yet Larry Hughes scored only eight points in 24 minutes and sat the entire fourth quarter as his pairing with Gordon continues to experience rocky moments.

Gordon scored 16 points but didn't make his first field goal until 1 minute 36 seconds remained in the third and didn't get going until Hughes had exited for good.

Boylan said Hinrich's strong play is why Gordon and Hughes didn't play much together in the second half.

"I liked his ballhandling and shooting, and he was doing a great job running the team," Boylan said. "Since I've taken over, Kirk in my opinion has grown as a point guard. He has more confidence and runs the team more. He talks more in the huddle. He's asserting himself. I appreciate that and like to let him run with it."

Boylan also praised Deng's defense on Rudy Gay, which Boylan said led to a more aggressive Deng at the offensive end.

Kyle Lowry's 24 points led the Grizzlies, who have lost nine straight overall, 14 straight on the road, and are 1-13 since trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers.

The Grizzlies scored on seven of their first nine possessions, prompting a quick timeout by Boylan. The Bulls, however, responded with a 13-0 run and eventually built a 54-36 halftime lead with Deng and Hinrich each scoring 15.

"We had a lot of people talking in the huddle and active," Boylan said. "We had leadership from within and that was good to see."

The Bulls opened the second half with a 15-3 run for a 30-point lead but then, recalling Friday night's collapse to the Wizards, surrendered a 23-6 run.

This time, Andres Nocioni, who scored 20 off the bench, drained a jumper and Gordon scored four straight to right the ship.